- Youth (ages 18-24) in Hiroshima Prefecture and other locations around Asia are invited to apply to the “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures” programme.
- The programme will teach young changemakers how to use AI and digital technologies for impactful storytelling.
- The programme will start in June 2025 and run for approximately three months.
- The programme is funded by Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima, powered by Microsoft Corperation, and run by the UNITAR Hiroshima Office.
- Applications will be accepted until 31 May 2025 (deadline 10 a.m. Japan Standard Time, UTC+9).
Photo © Envato Elements
2 May 2025, Hiroshima, Japan – The UNITAR Hiroshima Office invites motivated youth in Hiroshima and other places in Asia to apply for the “UNITAR SDGs and Digital Futures” programme, which will teach young changemakers about the digital mediums where they can create impactful narratives, using AI and other storytelling platforms. The programme will start on 7 June 2025 and run for approximately three months. The application deadline is 31 May 2025 (10 a.m. Japan Standard Time, UTC+9).
By the end of the programme, the participants will know how to use basic AI tools, understand the role of AI and technology in digital storytelling, and have created a digital story of their own in a multimedia format. The participants will also have an opportunity to showcase their work at a large, hybrid international event in October or November 2025 (date to be determined).
Approximately 10 youth based in Hiroshima Prefecture and 5 youth from all over Asia will be accepted to the free programme. It will combine both online and in-person activities and be delivered in English. Participants will receive a UNITAR certificate of completion at the end. The programme will be run by the UNITAR Hiroshima Office, powered by Microsoft, and with financial support from Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima.
Agenda
Phase 1 (online)
- Sat, June 7: Introduction to UNITAR, SDGs and programme
- Sat, June 14: Ethics and AI
- Sat, June 21: Creating art using generative AI
- Sat, June 28: Explore generative AI
- Sat, July 5: Learn how to create and present digitized stories
- Sat, July 12: How to present your digitized story
Phase 2 (in-person study visit)
- Sun, August 24: Arrival of participants from abroad
- Mon, August 25 (Day 1): Introduction to Hiroshima
- Tue, August 26 (Day 2): Introducing hibakujumoku and Green Legacy Hiroshima, company visit
- Wed, August 27 (Day 3): AI and digital art lecture and workshop
- Thu, August 28 (Day 4): Concept presentation, feedback, final mentoring sessions
- Fri, August 29: Participants leave
Phase 3 (project completion)
- Sat, September 6: Online mentoring activities
- Sat, September 13: Online graduation ceremony
Phase 4 (showcase)
- October or November 2025 (to be determined): Final public event in Hiroshima (participants abroad to join online)
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the programme, you must meet the following criteria.
- Live either in Hiroshima or in other parts of Asia (sorry, youth living in other parts of Japan are not eligible)
- Aged 18-24
- Passionate about creating positive change within your community
- Can participate using English
- Willing to commit 2-3.5 hours per week to the course
- Able to participate in all the dates listed above
- Have a reliable internet connection
- Have access to a smartphone, tablet or PC
- Committed to completing the programme
What Does It Cost?
The programme is offered free of charge.
For participants from outside Hiroshima
UNITAR will provide and arrange:
- Round-trip airfare
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Local transportation in Hiroshima
- Visa support
- Travel insurance
Participants will be responsible for:
- Passport and any expenses relating to obtaining a passport
- Domestic travel to and from international departures in your home country
- All related costs prior to your international travel
For participants from Hiroshima
UNITAR will provide and arrange:
- Meals
Participants will be responsible for:
- Travel to UNITAR Hiroshima Office
- Lodging during the length of the programme
How to Apply
The application form will be open until 31 May 2025, 10 a.m. JST (UTC+9).
Contact
about unitar
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a dedicated training arm of the United Nations. In 2024, UNITAR trained over 550,000 learners around the world to support their actions for a better future. UNITAR has a global presence, with offices in Geneva, Hiroshima, New York and Bonn and networks around the world. Find out more at www.unitar.org